to tired for pics tonight i aite to much and need a nap lol but it is a felt nine flow i love it.i was with dad when he got it 4 weeks ago but didnt get it till today by far it is the best bike i ever rode or had im so excited

No. Not mandatory for discs. I just don't happen to like brifters, but hate having to reach down for bar end or down tube shifters. Retroshifters, for me at least, are the best of both worlds. Very simple. Very durable. Very easy to use. Totally convenient to shift with. It's a no-hassle solution to shifting. I love my Retroshifters with all of my heart, mind and soul. If a product can possible be perfect, these shifters are that product. I honestly can't imagine ever using anything else. They spoil you.

Brave Soldier Road Rash Kit. Coulda used it this fall. Bike dropped out from under me in the rain cornering on crosswalk paint. Two weeks later riding home in the dark on a frozen dirt road I got into a rut that grabbed the front wheel and threw me to the ground, fortunately on the other side. Have matching scars. Now that I've got the kit I won't crash again for years.